Alexis Sanchez Set to Sign for Manchester United (If Mkhitaryan Can Agree Deal With Arsenal)

Wantaway Chilean striker, Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal, whose contract with the Gunners runs out this coming summer, is being heavily tied to the frontrunners in the race to sign him – Manchester United. This news comes after Manchester City dropped out of the battle for his signature, since they’re already atop of the Premier League and refuse to spend more than £20 million of Arsenal’s £35 million January transfer window price for him.

As we reported last week, Jose Mourinho had already suggested involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a cash swap deal to Arsenal in order to tempt Arsene Wenger in selling Alexis Sanchez to the Red Devils this transfer window. Looks like it’s seemingly happening, as we had predicted.

Reportedly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is now involved in negotiations with the Gunners in order to seal his move to the Emirates, and even hopes to improve upon his £140,000 a week deal that he will abandon at Manchester United. This proposed move may involve risking to anger the United team and the fans if the transfer doesn’t go through. It’s all down to Mkhitaryan now.

Is Mkhitaryan Arsenal bound? Credit: AFP/GettyImages

However, the contract negotiations aren’t expected to be a stumbling block, and Henrikh is expected to reach an agreement, whilst Manchester United are prepared to nearly match the £35 million discounted valuation of the Gunners star, as well as offering Mkhitaryan as a bargaining tool, with payments of £350,000 a week for Alexis Sanchez, and giving the coveted number 7 shirt (worn by George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham respectively) over to its hopeful newcomer. It surely sounds like a dream move for Alexis Sanchez, and at least he would be joining a club with far greater history than Manchester City.

Sanchez is leaving the Gunners very soon. Credit: PA

The skills of Henrikh Mkhitaryan can surely be utilised at Arsenal in a far better way, plus the Gunners new head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat is a long time admirer of Mkhitaryan after his time at Borussia Dortmund. In hindsight, Mkhitaryan could be seen as a future direct replacement for the future loss of Mesut Ozil in the summer, whilst Arsene Wenger is now dead set on offering £60 million to lure striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Dortmund in this transfer window. Things are truly heating up if Henrikh Mkhitaryan can agree terms with Arsenal and Sanchez goes to Manchester United within the next 48 hours.

Super agent to the football stars, Mino Raiola, who also represents Mkhitaryan said: “This is a great deal for Arsenal. They need better, younger players, and they have to invest.”

“So it’s up to Arsenal to put a deal in place and right now a deal is a long way off.”

Agent Raiola is always making bank on transfers. Credit: AFP/GettyImages

So, the negotiations are just beginning, but Mino Raiola elaborated on the proposed deal. “Sanchez is part of Mkhi’s deal. Not the other way around. Without him, Sanchez simply cannot go to United. Mkhi’s problems at Man Utd are purely related to playing football. He has no problem with the manager. It’s not personal.”

Raiola previously stated yesterday, “Mkhi has not decided yet. He is going to do what is best for him. He has two-and-a-half years left on his contract. He doesn’t have to leave.”

That being said, Mkhitaryan has probably seen the benefit of swapping to Arsenal, with more game time, a central role in the team, plus the benefits of moving to London surely has to be better than living in Manchester, but only time will tell, what with Arsene Wenger sheepishly trying to make Manchester United part with Anthony Martial instead, which was of course, shut down immediately.

On the move? Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be a perfect fit for Arsenal. Credit: FoxSportsAsia

Manager Antonio Conte of Chelsea had also hoped to sign Alexis Sanchez in this window, but without a cash proposition and any player going to the Gunners being reported going the other way, then it doesn’t seem likely that Conte will get his man.

Watch this space in the next 48 hours, as the paradigm of where Alexis Sanchez is going next is heavily leaning towards Manchester United right now. That is, if Mkhitaryan and Wenger can agree personal terms.